36 NAVIX 0^^ THE HORSE. 



and organs within the belly. It is a very severe form of in 

 flammation, and often proves fatal. The inflammation is gen- 

 erally confined to only a part of the peritoneum. 



Symptoms. — Inflammation of the peritoneum, or investing 

 membrane of the bowels, is characterized by very nearly the 

 same symptoms as inflammation of the inner coat of the bowels. 

 It is somewhat difficult to distinguish them. For this re'ason 

 their symptoms should be well studied. 



The attack of inflammation of the peritoneum is often ush- 

 ered in by a distinct chill, as shown by his shivering. Kestless- 

 ness and fever follow the chill, or will be observed when no chill 

 may have been perceived. The mouth will be found to be hot- 

 ter than natural, and the nostrils red. The symptoms of pain 

 soon become very severe, as shown by the horse pawing, striking 

 at his belly, groaning, looking at his flanks, and rolling. The 

 bowels will be very costive, and great tenderness and often heat 

 of the belly over the seat of the inflammation. The pulse w^ill 

 be quick and small, and the ears and legs cold. Profuse sweat- 

 ing and great weakness, and the most anxious expression of the 

 countenance, indicate the advanced stage of the disease. The 

 progress of this disease is very rapid. 



It is best distinguished from inflammation of the internal 

 coat of the bowels by the greater severity of the misery and its 

 ver}^ rapid progress. To distinguish it from colic, see that dis- 

 ease. It is often called bots by the ignorant. Avoid this fool- 

 ish error. 



Causes. — Cold is the great cause of inflammation of every 

 kind. The animal being heated and perspiring, or sweating, 

 and then suddenly exposed to the cold air or rain, checks the 

 perspiration, and irritation or inflammation of some internal 

 part is almost sure to follow. A horse that is kept in the stable 

 and used but little, and then worked until he becomes heated, 

 and allowed to stand in the cold or exposed to a shower, or if 

 his belly be washed with cold water, will be very likely to be 

 attacked by inflammation of the peritoneum. 



